As a retired school principal who served 35 years and a Navy veteran with eight years of active service — five in World War II and three during the Korean Conflict, I feel somewhat negligent for never openly recommending some positive action in support of our young people between the ages of 18 and 21 — especially since I witnessed thousands of these young people in action.
It is way past time we start treating them as responsible, contributing members of our society, particularly in voting (which is now law) and drinking (College presidents seek debate on drinking age, Aug. 19).
While I salute the college presidents for taking the initiative and addressing this problem, it is my sincere hope it will receive national attention and participation of every American citizen. Young people between the ages of 18 and 21 are just starting to become involved in assuming responsibility for their own actions. In examining the present status of these young people, we note many of them are maturing rapidly. They serve in our military to defend our freedoms; they are in college; and they are participating in responsible vocational work.
Unfortunately, our society is presently “forcing” these young people to take devious means in order to illegally consume alcohol in an immature manner. Many of them gorge themselves to prolong the alcohol’s effect until their next binge.
Drinking at an earlier age should be compared to the process of obtaining a driver’s license. The same type of school and community training should be applied to early drinking, and if the privilege is abused, the punishment should be severe. Young people must learn they have an obligation to support our society.
No doubt if drinking were legal for 18 year olds, they would soon develop a more positive attitude of accepted moderation just as they are learning to execute in their other responsibilities.
Quinton D. Thompson
Towson
